Individuals With Ankyloglossia Often Have Poor Jaw Stability
Do you find that individuals with ankyloglossia often have poor jaw stability because they have to move their jaw more to accommodate for the restricted tongue movement they have? And do you think that is what causes a maladaptive or inefficient oral motor pattern? Or do you find that the jaw instability and poor coordination happen to accompany the ankyloglossia but aren’t necessarily caused by it? I know we can’t always figure out what the causes are but I also can’t help but wonder why! Thanks.
Ankyloglossia differs from person to person and depends upon many things; however, if you “lock” your tongue down and try to use a normal oral pattern, it cannot be accomplished. So, I think your description makes sense:
- They have to move their jaw more to accommodate for the restricted tongue movement
- It can cause a maladaptive or inefficient oral motor pattern
Again, there is no one answer, but common sense tells us that we cannot function the same with an active tongue that can move independently…. compared to a tongue that is “anchored” and limited. Good thinking!..